AUSTRALIAN VISA FACT SHEET
- It is easier and quicker than ever before for PNG citizens to apply for a visa to travel to Australia
After being introduced just over one year ago, on-line visa applications now represent almost one third of visitor visa lodgements made in PNG. This is an impressive and encouraging take up of this new and convenient service.
On-line visa applications can be lodged by any person or organisation on behalf of the applicant, making this new on-line service handy and available for those who do not have ready access to the internet.
Processing times for complete applications lodged on-line average 7 days or less, facilitating ease of movement for all visitors including tourists and business people.
The PNG online visitor visa application website is: http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/png/
reduction in paper work for people who are regular visitors to Australia and a more flexible approach to the documentation requirements.
- first time travellers are asked for evidence to show how they will support their visit to Australia
- this evidence can be from a variety of sources, including letters from employers, and invitation from host organisations or family in Australia
- no requirement for biometric data or interviews – many other countries require this.
No visa required for PNG passport holders who transit through Australia for less than 8 hours – citizens from more than 120 countries do not have such visa free transit.
Priority entry processing upon arrival for APEC business travel card holders.
Priority passenger lane access to Australian airports in Cairns and Brisbane facilitates quick entry to Australia – these arrangements have been in place since 1 September 2013 and also apply to Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
- Student Visa applications remain strong with over 1200 student visas granted to PNG Citizens last financial year.
- Australia is assisting PNG to strengthen its border management systems including visa processing
As PNG strengthens the integrity of its border systems, this will facilitate further advances in Australia’s visa arrangements for PNG citizens.
Australia looks to PNG to provide effective visa services for Australians to underpin the smooth flow of business people and tourists to PNG, such as through an on-line system.
- Australia does not have a visa on arrival system for any country but it does not take a long time to obtain a visa for Australia
For visitors, we have reduced our advertised turnaround time for a visa from 30 days to 10 working days and for most applicants it is often less than this.
Approximately 95% of applicants are granted a visa.
From July 2013 to June 2014, more than 14,000 visitor visas were granted to PNG citizens by the Port Moresby Office.
Delays are usually due to clients lodging incomplete applications or where medical examinations are required, for example chest examinations are required in certain circumstances given PNG’s high tuberculosis rate.
- The Pacific Seasonal Worker Program is strengthening economic links between Australia and PNG
There is much potential for many more Papua New Guineans to participate in this program.
- Australia supports increased exchange between the young people of PNG and Australia
Australia is ready to welcome 100 young Papua New Guineans (per year) to visit and work in Australia as part of the Work and Holiday Program.
- The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby has dedicated immigration officials to service PNG citizens
Less than half of Australia’s diplomatic missions have a dedicated immigration team.
Please continue to visit the Australian High Commission website for key information on how to apply for a visa and what documents clients should provide.
After lodging an application, any inquiries should be referred to:[email protected]
- Australia continues to explore ways to further enhance opportunities for PNG citizens to visit, study and work in Australia.
Download a copy of the Australian Visa Fact here.
Australian High Commission
Port Moresby
July 2014